Welland on world stage with ICF Canoe Polo World Championships

The opening ceremonies included a parade of nations, athletes carrying the flags of the 26 different countries participating in the event.

The world has come to Welland once again from Jul. 30 – Aug. 5/2018 for the 2018 ICF Canoe Polo World Championships.

The Merritt Park Ampitheatre was packed full Monday Jul. 30 with athletes from 26 different countries, fans and dignitaries for the opening ceremonies.

“It is really my pleasure to be here to welcome 600 athletes from 26 countries to our beautiful City of Welland,” Mayor Frank Campion said.

“We have probably the best flatwater course in Canada,” he said. “It’s certainly comparable to the best courses around the world.”

“I’m happy to have the athletes here from all over the place to experience a truly great venue and a great city as well,” he said.

For the opening ceremonies the activities included a parade of nations, athletes carrying the flags of the countries participating in the championships. A video showed the history of the Welland Canal. Then, they were treated with entertainment from The Associates and a performance from Honeymoon Suite.

“With all the assets Welland has, including the flatwater centre, as well as everyone coming together in community as well as the region, I’m sure this is going to be an event that the people coming here will remember for a very long time,” Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey said.

Action gets underway at the Welland International Flatwater Centre Tuesday July 31/2018 starting at 10 a.m. Action continues all week with finals on Saturday and Sunday.